Is a private 'MOT' good value for money?

Blood tests are just one of a wide variety of tests that are done at diagnostic clinics

By Judith Woods

11:38AM BST 23 Aug 2005

More and more people are bypassing hard-pressed GPs to have detailed checks made on their body, reports Judith Woods

It's a familiar scenario; you feel run-down and a bit off-colour, but there's nothing specific wrong. You don't want to bother your GP, but are anxious to find out whether there's a serious underlying cause for your fatigue.

For an increasing number of people, the answer lies in a private-sector health check. The physical "MOT" market is now worth an estimated £65 million a year and is growing rapidly. At BUPA, more than 100,000 clients are seen every year at 40 centres.

"People come to us because they want reassurance about their state of health," says Peter Smythe, of BUPA Wellness. "They have nagging concerns, maybe because there's a family history of heart disease, or a friend has suddenly suffered a stroke at a very young age. They want to get themselves checked out, but they don't feel they can go to their GP."

Even the most ardent supporter of the NHS would have to concede that preventative medicine is not its strong point. Moreover, given that the average GP appointment lasts about six minutes, there's very little time available to discuss more than one or two issues. As a result, many of those who go private feel that the battery of blood tests and other checks are of secondary importance, compared to the opportunity to talk to a doctor, in detail, for up to an hour.

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At most standard private assessments, basic checks include weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and a range of blood analyses. At the upper end of the market, patients may be given cardio-respiratory fitness tests, X-rays or state-of-the-art electron beam tomography, a highly detailed scan that can check heart function.

Complementary diagnostic screening provided by some alternative health clinics can include hair analysis to reveal vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or bio-resonance tests to measure energy levels. For many, the aim of the assessment is to reveal any potential hidden health problems, so that they may be treated before an illness develops.

The Diagnostic Clinic in London offers an integrated health check that combines orthodox tests and disciplines such as osteopathy and naturopathy.

The chief executive of the clinic, David Smyth, says the use of complementary practitioners means it's possible to predict future health issues and take preventative action.

"We are very innovative in our approach," says Smyth. "When you get a medical report from us, it will be written by an integrated doctor, who not only has orthodox qualifications, but may be an expert in naturopathy or Chinese medicine, and so will have a deeper insight into how a person's body is handling their lifestyle."

Theoretically, of course, your GP could arrange for the sort of blood and cholesterol tests that come as standard with most private consultations. An investigation by Which? (formerly the Consumers' Association) in 2004 concluded that private health-screening offered poor value for money and could cause unnecessary anxiety or even lead to unnecessary surgery.

Yet the fact remains that unless you are displaying symptoms of illness, or there are other pressing risk factors, your family doctor is unlikely to expend NHS resources running tests simply to put your mind at rest.

Dr Mayur Lakhani, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, urges caution among patients who intend to bypass their family doctor.

"These health assessments do have a small role to play, but they shouldn't override the role of the GP, who is familiar with the patient's history," says Dr Lakhani. "It's not that the GP doesn't want to do blood or cholesterol tests, but there has to be evidence that these tests are necessary and of proven value."

Check this out: where to go for assessment

BUPA Wellness: Classic Health Assessment

Tests: between 36 and 37 core tests, which include blood analysis to test for raised cholesterol, diabetes, liver and kidney problems. Testicular examination for men, cervical smear for women.